Arctic Loon, Gavia arctica

The Arctic Loon is almost identical in appearance to the Pacific Loon,
except for its prominent white flank patch. The species is
extremely rare in North America south of Alaska, so the bird pictured
above and below provided a treat for Northern California birders as it
showed itself frequently during the winter of 2012-13 alongside
the commercial fishing wharf in Monterey. The brown plumage marks it as
a juvenile; an adult would be a darker gray-brown.